The School of Computer Science faculty and staff are dedicated to providing you with the information and support you need to succeed at Carleton. This page is designed to help you plan your courses and craft your student experience. Use this page to learn more about the different facets of your undergraduate program, including academics, campus life, co-op, and more!
On this page
Preparing for your Studies
Academics
Courses and Registration
Welcome to Carleton and your Bachelor of Computer Science degree program! More information on registration, course selection, electives and prohibited courses, and your academic audit can be found by following the link below:
Honours vs Major Degree
The School of Computer Science offers both an Honours degree and a Major degree. Both are 20.0 credit degree programs in which you obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and both over a co-op option.
However, the Honours degree requires you to take COMP 3804, which teaches valuable advanced problem-solving techniques that will remain useful for your entire career. It also allows you to take either COMP 4905 [0.5] (Honours Project) or COMP 4906 [1.0] (Honours Thesis), which gives you experience in doing independent work. The required written report in these courses is valuable, especially if you want to advance in a software career
The Honours program also has higher CGPA requirements for graduation, and you may not choose a program stream designation unless you are in the Honours program.
Program Streams
A program stream is a series of area-specific courses that you take as part of your degree which allows you to specialize in a particular field of study. If you intend to apply for a job within a particular field corresponding to one of our streams, then the stream will allow you to be more prepared/trained for that field of work. Some streams begin in first year, allowing you to take a stream-specific course during each year of the program. Other streams have course-specific requirements that only begin in third year.
You can find a comparison of stream requirements by following the link below:
If you are currently in a program stream and want to change, then you can follow the change of program elements instructions on the Registrar’s Office website.
MCS Accelerated Pathway
The MCS Accelerated Pathway allows Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons.) students a chance to fast-track their Master’s of Computer Science studies, enabling you to reach your academic and career goals sooner.
Minor in Computer Science (currently closed)
Computer Science is a Major/Honours degree, however some programs may add it as a minor. The minor consists of taking 4.0 credits in computer science courses along with your major degree. Enrolment is limited and not all programs are allowed to add computer science as a minor. The enrollment is currently closed.
Co-op
“You have access as a Carleton co-op student to a lot of different employers. And it doesn’t just have to be here in Ottawa. I’ve gotten interviews with companies in other cities, even Vancouver and Edmonton.” – Eric Tran, BCSM.
Co-operative Education combines traditional, in-class education with hands-on experience. As a co-op student, you alternate study terms at Carleton with four, eight, twelve or sixteen month work terms. Co-op work terms allow for the development of key employability skills, exploration of career options and graduation with tangible, workplace experience—giving you a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.
Your first potential co-op admission is in the fall term of your second year, with your first potential work term taking place in the summer term of your second year. You are required to take complete four terms of work to receive the co-op designation. Students generally follow the schedule shown below:
Work-Study Sequence
More information on the co-op program can be found on the Carleton Co-op website, but here are a few links to help get you directed to information on co-op for your bachelor of computer science:
Student Clubs and Societies
Carleton’s extensive network of clubs and societies is another great way to meet new people and pursue your interests outside the classroom. With more than 170 active clubs and societies to choose from, you will certainly find a venue for your academic, social, political or charitable interests. Here is a list of clubs and societies that are related to computer science:
Student Wellness and Support
University success is achieved by not only maintaining good study habits and attending class, but also by taking care of yourself. There are many resources and services on campus and in the community to help you better understand, manage and improve your mental health and wellness throughout your degree and beyond.